Associate Director, Domestic Student Recruitment

Position Job Title: Associate Director, Domestic Student Recruitment

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario (Hybrid)

Reports To: Executive Director, Direct Recruitment

Salary: $90,000 – $95,000

Overview

The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF), Ontario’s newest university set to open its doors in 2024, will be offering a host of distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare graduates to be leaders in a digital world. Our programs are designed to promote a digital mindset characterized by digital fluency – a combination of technical proficiency, literacy, ethics and communication – and by a growth mindset that is future-focused, collaborative, change-oriented and disposed toward continuous learning.

The University of Niagara Falls Canada is a subsidiary of GUS Canada and part of the Global University Systems (GUS) network. GUS is one of the largest education groups in the world; offering accredited bachelor's, master's, medical and law degree programs, vocational and professional qualifications, and language courses to approximately 100,000 students globally. GUS Canada has successfully introduced many innovative post-secondary institutions to communities across the country over the past decade, including University Canada West (Vancouver), the Canadian College of Technology and Business (Vancouver), the Toronto School of Management (Toronto), the Trebas Institute (Toronto and Montreal), and The Language Gallery (Vancouver and Toronto).

Primary Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as the Associate Director of Domestic Student Recruitment. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing and executing the recruitment strategies and activities aimed at attracting domestic students to our educational institution. You will work closely with the Director of Admissions and other stakeholders to achieve enrollment targets while maintaining a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This role will report directly to the Executive Director, Direct Student Recruitment will work collaboratively to strategize the domestic student recruitment.

Specific Responsibilities

• Recruitment Strategy Development: Collaborate with the Director of Admissions to develop comprehensive recruitment strategies and initiatives to attract a diverse pool of domestic students. Analyze market trends, demographics, and competitor institutions to inform recruitment strategies and identify target markets.

• Team Management and Leadership: Supervise a team of recruitment professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure their success in achieving recruitment goals. Set performance targets, conduct regular evaluations, and foster a collaborative and motivated work environment.

• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with high school counselors, community organizations, and other key stakeholders involved in the recruitment process. Attending college fairs, community events, and conferences to promote our institution and build partnerships that facilitate student recruitment.

• Outreach and Events: Plan and execute recruitment events and activities, including information sessions, open houses, campus tours, and other engagement opportunities. Coordinate logistics, develop event materials, and ensure a positive and memorable experience for prospective students and their families.

• Application Support and Evaluation: Oversee the application process for domestic students, ensuring timely and accurate processing of applications, transcripts, recommendation letters, and other required documents. Collaborate with the admissions team to review applications and make informed admission decisions consistent with institutional policies.

• Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data management systems and tools to track recruitment activities, monitor progress towards enrollment goals, and generate reports on recruitment outcomes. Analyze data to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of recruitment strategies, and make data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.

• Collaboration and Communication: Work collaboratively with various departments within the institution, including academic departments, student services, and marketing, to ensure a coordinated and cohesive approach to student recruitment. Communicate regularly with internal stakeholders to provide updates on recruitment activities and progress.

• Professional Development: Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and changes in the field of student recruitment. Attend conferences, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to domestic student recruitment.

• Other ad-hoc duties as assigned by ED, Direct Recruitment to contribute towards the overall performance of the University.

Customer Focus (30%)

• Provide advisory service to all stakeholders, encouraging community partners to work with UNF and which is timely and efficient.
• Building commonalities to gain trust and engage potential students/ partners.
• Exploring possible career paths for students and matching it with specific UNF offerings.
• Guiding partner referred students through the full application cycle (direct or via agents): from initial enquiry/conversation through to finalizing and closing their application to study across the UNF portfolio of programmes.
• Training high school counsellors and other partners / stakeholders on university programmes and values.
• Always Portraying a positive and professional image of UNF, generating a positive and sought-after image of the University.

Communication and liaison (30%)

• To be in constant clear and effective liaison and communication with staff, partners, and students.
• Event Participation – Participate in community events, education fairs targeting domestic students, high school events and road shows etc. Also conduct in house seminar / open house sessions to generate interest.
• Ensuring that all relevant product developments, including changes to admission, compliance and course requirements or start dates (for example) are communicated internally and externally.
• Account Management: Build relationships with local community partners, high school counsellors and train them about UNFC and its program offerings.

Analysis, Reporting and Data management (30%)

• To provide management with relevant data for the team, competitor analyses and feedback where relevant.
• To research and provide valid information and market feedback on industry trends, which will become the basis for strategic planning and forecasting for management.
• Collect and compare pertinent data on target markets, making recommendations and writing proposals when requested.

Human Resources Responsibilities (10%)

• To ensure that all direct reports comply with the University’s core Policies and Procedures as detailed within the University’s Employee Handbook and/or communicated by the HR Department from time to time.
• To report any non-compliance by Employees of Company Policies and Procedures, and to work with the HR Department to ensure appropriate informal and/or formal action is taken in line with the Company’s Disciplinary Procedure.

Position Requirements

Competencies

• Takes a consultative sales approach, always aiming for ‘win-win’ outcomes that best benefits the company, student’s interests, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in student recruitment efforts.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required for recruitment events.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in student recruitment or admissions, with demonstrated success in recruiting domestic students.
• Familiarity with data management systems and tools for tracking recruitment activities and analyzing data.
• Ability to design and develop training documentation.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy and tact when administering University policies.
• Proficient in the use of enterprise systems (e.g. Salesforce, SYS etc..), database, spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing applications.
• Good strategic planning, forecasting & budgeting, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and analytical reasoning skills.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team towards achieving recruitment goals.
• Knowledge of domestic student recruitment strategies, market trends, and best practices in the higher education industry.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Education and Experience:

• Contacts in the local community and with high school counsellors is desired.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or relevant field.
• Minimum five (5) years of related experience in admissions, student recruitment, enrollment management, and/or systems development; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the CANADA education system, tertiary education especially.
• MBA degree preferred.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [email protected]

To apply, please attach your cover letter and resume in a single document.

We greatly appreciate your time and efforts in applying for the position at UNF, however, please note only successful candidates will be contacted.